Nothing screams, “I totally forgot to use sunscreen!!!” like a flaming red sunburn but, you know, it happens to the best of us. That said, having an itchy sunburn is just cruel. Like, you’re already suffering enough—what’s with the itch? Show Turns out, you’re not the only one who’s gone through this before. Super itchy sunburns actually have a name—Hell’s itch—which would be kinda funny if you weren’t currently living through it. But seriously, what’s the deal here? And why you, anyway? Dermatologists have some thoughts about—and fixes for!—itchy, painful, annoying AF burns. Is it normal for a sunburn to get itchy?Surprisingly, yes. “Sunburns usually produce the sensation of itch and/or pain. These sensations use same nerve fibers to transmit signals to the brain and often are felt together,” explains Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. That said, this sh*t can get intense. “Sometimes, especially when the sunburn is deep, the sensation of pain and itch can be very strong and medical treatment is necessary,” Goldenberg says. Itching and scratching your poor, inflamed skin (because, how can you not?) can even cause an infection thanks to bacteria that can be hanging out under your fingernails. What causes hell’s itch exactly? It’s the same mechanism as a “normal” sunburn itch, just cranked way up. Inflammation from an extreme sunburn “affects the nerves, resulting in a significant itch,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City–based dermatologist. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Just a heads up: In some cases, your skin might itch because of a sun-related rash called polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). “It is essentially a sun sensitivity or allergy that leads to red, itchy rashes in some exposed areas,” says Dr. Zeichner. That’s not ~technically~ a sunburn, but it’s easy to see how you can confuse the two. Ultimately, it’s best to call your doctor if you’re uncomfortable. Or, you know, in total agony. Okay, how the eff do I relieve the itching?Luckily, you don’t have to just try to rise above it. There are plenty of at-home remedies you can use if you’re somewhere between itchy AF and ready to call your doctor.
Anything I *shouldn't* do to an itchy sunburn?The last thing you want to do is make things worse. So, keep these tips in mind:
The bottom line: If you’re struggling with a sunburn or even if you’re just uncomfortable and aren’t sure what to do, call your doctor. They can give you personalized next steps to make the itchy sunburn stop for good. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. How long does it take to get rid of Hell's itch?People have described their experiences as feeling “like fire ants are biting you under your skin,” “wanting to rip your skin off” or “an uncontrollable itch that, when scratched, causes stabbing pain.” The symptoms seem to come in waves and typically relent within 48 hours.
What is the fastest way to cure Hell's itch?Treatment for hell's itch. Take cover. The last thing sunburned skin needs is more sun exposure. ... . Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). ... . Try an oral antihistamine. ... . Use cool compresses. ... . Take a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal. ... . Use aloe vera. ... . Cortisone cream. ... . Drink plenty of water.. Is Hells itch permanent?There is no magic cure for hell's itch, but common over-the-counter medicines can make the condition more bearable. Pain-relieving medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, while antihistamines such as Benadryl may help reduce itching.
Should you shower with Hells itch?Online, the community of Hell Itch sufferers has agreed on only one surefire treatment: A constant regimen of boiling hot showers until the itch subsides. The shower works, explained Dr. Steinhoff, because it activates the skin's pain nerves, shutting down the itch.
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